19 September 2023 , 09:38
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Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for a family of four, including two children, massacred in their own home along with the family's three .
The victims of this mysterious crime in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, have been named as couple Zoraida Bartolomei and Alberto Rolon along with their sons Adriel, 10, and Diego, seven.
Investigators from the Romeoville Police Department have ruled out a murder-suicide and have warned the killer is still on the loose.
Zoraida's devastated sister, Bryana Bartolomei, shared a picture of the family on saying: "I want to know what happened to my nephews, my sister, her husband, and WHY?" She also urged people to "Read about the ongoing case, please contact police if you know or see anything."
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A friend said: "The world is going to be a much dimmer place without them" (Facebook)A tribute on the surviving members of the family reads: "These were hardworking people that had just bought their first home. Their kids were the sweetest most innocent angels who could hug your worries away.
"In just a few hours their lives, their family’s lives completely changed. The world is going to be a much dimmer place without them."
Speaking to the Mail, Zoraida's mum Lydia said: "They were so happy, they had just bought their new house five months ago."
Lydia had spoken to her daughter on Saturday night, shortly before police believe the killings took place. The family were settling down for a movie and Lydia can't understand why they were killed. She said: "There are always people who are avaricious or jealous, but I've got no idea."
Police at the scene of the killings (nbc)Police were called for a welfare check after one of the parents failed to turn up to work at 6am on Sunday and no one was answering the phone. Officers arrived at 8.40pm in the evening to find the scene of the massacre.
Speaking at a press conference, Romeoville Police Deputy Chief Chris Burne revealed little citing the "sensitivity of the case and the need to protect the integrity of the investigation."
He added: "Due to the time that has gone by, more than 18 hours from the time we were contacted, we are not asking anybody shelter in place. We are not actively looking for anyone in the area but we do always ask our residents to have a sense of self–awareness and report anything they might see as suspicious."
The family had just moved into the neighbourhood (google)The children were students at nearby Robert C. Hill Elementary, Valley View School District 365U, in Romeoville. Superintendent Rachel Kinder said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and will do everything we can to support your child, your family, and the safety of our school community."
Counsellors, social workers and psychologists will be made available for students who need support, Ms Kinder said.